Introduction
Type 304 stainless steel is a T300 Series Stainless Steel austenitic. It has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. It is defined as a Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy. Grade 304 is the standard “18/8” stainless that you will probably see in your pans and cookery tools. Type 304L is the low-carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability. Some products such as plates and pipes may be available as “dual certified” material that meets the criteria for both 304 and 304L. 304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high temperatures.
Type 304 Stainless Steel Properties
Both 304 and 316 stainless steels (as well as other 300-series grades) use nickel to maintain an austenitic composition at lower temperatures. Austenitic steels ensure a versatile balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance. Some of the positive qualities of 304 stainless steel include:
- Exemplifies the corrosion resistance and aesthetic attraction that stainless steel is known for
- Extremely easy to clean and maintain
- Easier to weld than many other types of stainless steel
- Even more resistant to heat than other stainless steel types
- Attractive and classy appearance
- Properly cared for and cleaned stainless steel presents a low maintenance cost
Chemical Composition
| Type 304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition | |||||||||
| Standard | AISI (UNS) | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | N |
| ASTM A276/A276M | 304 (S30400) | ≤0.07 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.75 | 17.5-19.5 | 8.0-10.5 | ≤0.10 |
| Mechanical Properties Of Stainless Steel 304 | |||||
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength(MPa) | tElongation(%) | Toughness | Density | Melting Point |
| ≥515-1035 | ≥205 | ≥40 | ≤210 | 7.93 | 1398~1454 |
Common Uses
304 stainless steel is used in a huge variety of applications, including:
- Home and commercial kitchen equipment
- Structural elements for large commercial and industrial buildings
- Food and beverage manufacturing equipment
- Livestock processing equipment
- Aerospace and automotive equipment
- Lab equipment for chemical handling
- Electrical enclosures for sensitive electrical equipment
Type 304 Stainless Steel Products In Stock
Stainless Steel Sheet
Stainless steel plate is generally a general term for stainless steel plate and acid-resistant steel plate. According to the production method, it is divided into two types: hot rolling and cold rolling, including thin cold plates with a thickness of 0.5.10-885 mm 72938 and medium and heavy plates with a thickness of 4.5-100 mm.
Stainless Steel Bar
Application range: petroleum, electronics, chemical industry, medicine, textile, food, machinery, construction, nuclear power, aerospace, military, and other industries!
